Game 51: Jets vs Flyers pre-game report

Bit of an unusual twist today as the Jets announced that they would not be holding a morning skate of media availability with head coach Rick Bowness (although he’ll be available at 3:30 PM). This means there will be some question marks as a number of players including Nikolaj Ehlers, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Dylan DeMelo and Connor Hellebuyck didn’t skate at practice although the Jets bench boss did indicate that these were maintenance related.

Rick Bowness also said two days ago that he wouldn’t rule out Mason Appleton from today’s game although that seems unlikely to happen. If it does it would necessitate a corresponding roster move. Appleton has been out since November 13th after requiring wrist surgery.

Skate news:

No skate. Until the head coach speaks at 3:30 PM CST the lines and D pairs remain the same as last game.

Lineup update:

From Rick Bowness we learned Dylan DeMelo is out with a lower-body injury. Said he won’t play next two games. Dylan Samberg draws back in. Sam Gagner in, Axel Jonsson-Fjallby coming out. Confirms that Connor Hellebuyck starts.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler
Connor-Dubois-Perfetti
Barron-Lowry-Kuhlman
Maenalanen-Stenlund-Gagner

Morrissey-Pionk
Samberg-Dillon
Stanley-Schmidt

Hellebuyck
Rittich

Betway Odds:

It’s been less than a week since these two teams met back in Philadelphia last Sunday. Since that time the Flyers have lost twice in overtime while Winnipeg has also lost twice but both times in regulation. Perhaps it is that fearsome 17-7-0 home record of the Jets against the 10-9-7 road record of Philly but the home team are the big favourites. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Players media availability:

None expected.

Coach media availability:

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 6:00 pm CST.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game interviews from Jets players as well as from head coach Rick Bowness.

You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button). This season you’ll have a chance to win great schwag including authentic Jets jerseys, hats, etc after every single game (For a variety of ways to enter click here).